Newspile is a terrific Google Reader client for the BlackBerry PlayBook that came out last year. In that time it has seen several updates and has recently received another which brings it up to v1.1.1. This update brings several new features to the app that were suggested by users to improve the usability and overall user experience. You can find the full list of changes below, and if you don't already own this awesome app you can pick it up from BlackBerry App World for $2.99.

A distraction free fullscreen mode.
As most users want to focus on the content Newspile by now has a "distraction free"- mode.

Three different views in "distraction free"- mode: Default, Instapaper and Web
Besides the well-known newspaper style default mode there are two new ones: Firstly the deep integration of Instapaper. The Instapaper- mode is great as it allows to read truncated feeds and to modify several display options, such as the font, the font-size, the background color and the line-width. Secondly the web view. The web view displays an article in the very same way the device browser does. It gives users the full web experience.

Support for portrait orientation
Many users find it more comfortable to read articles in portrait orientation. If a user changes the PlayBook`s orientation Newspile by now switches instantly to "distraction free" mode with all it's advantages.

Simplified navigation between articles by tapping / swiping
While in "distraction free" mode users can now navigate comfortably between articles by simply swiping left / right on the bottom bar, or by tapping on the corresponding arrow buttons. This really improves the overall reading experience.

Optional Preview Thumbs
The article list has now an optional preview - thumbnail, which visually provides an idea of what to expect when opening an article. It really helps to find interesting articles.

Improved Help-Screens
As Newspile has become quite feature rich, it was on time to communicate it's features more directly in a improved "How to get started" - section. Users can browse through several screenshots by swiping left / right.

Reader comments

Newspile for the BlackBerry PlayBook updated to v1.1.1

First! I did it again. It's been a long time coming but I finally did it! I want to thank God, my friends and family for their support, CrackBerry Kevin for giving me this opportunity... and Ashley Esqueda for being there for me at nights after my long days of commenting on CrackBerry.com. Thanks again!

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